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"The best spondylitis diet is the same diet that is good for maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your whole body in good shape,” says Ruth Kadanoff, MD, a professor of rheumatology at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago.

That means choosing foods that help fight inflammation, keep your bones strong, and keep your heart healthy. You can take your diet a step further to customize it, based on your body’s response to foods you eat. The Spondylitis Association of America recommends that you keep a food diary and track which food seems to make you feel better or worse.

Healthy Spondylitis Diet, Healthy Weight

"One thing that will help ankylosing spondylitis or any arthritis symptoms is to maintain a healthy weight,” Dr. Kadanoff says. “Carrying too much weight will put extra strain on inflamed joints in your back, hips, and knees."

Now for the specifics of what you should eat:

Fruits and vegetables. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, especially colorful ones, as they are high in antioxidants. Studies show that antioxidants may help with arthritis symptoms because they protect cells from substances called free radicals, which contribute to inflammation.

Whole grains. Numerous studies show that whole grains — as opposed to white, processed grains — are good for heart health. Because ankylosing spondylitis inflammation can affect your heart as well as your joints, whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and buckwheat should be part of your diet.

Drink plenty of fluids. Having 8 to 10 glasses of water every day is important for anyone, including those with spondylitis. Limit alcoholic drinks to no more than two drinks a day for men, and only one for women. Alcohol can contribute to weaker bones.

Omega-3 fatty acids. These fats, which are found in coldwater fish or fish oil supplements, have been shown to help reduce inflammation. In a Swedish study, people with ankylosing spondylitis who took a higher dose of omega-3 supplements had a significant decrease in their symptoms, compared with those who took a lower dose of omega-3.

Diet supplements. "Any arthritis that limits movement can lead to osteoporosis," Kadanoff says. "A person with ankylosing spondylitis should consider supplementing their diet with calcium and vitamin D." Osteoporosis causes bones to thin, which can increase the risk for bone fractures if you have ankylosing spondylitis. You can get calcium from dairy foods and fortified cereals. Ask your doctor if you should also take vitamin D supplements.

Avoid high-fat, high-cholesterol foods. These foods should be limited in any healthy diet. Saturated fats and foods high in cholesterol may help promote inflammation and, in turn, raise your heart disease risk.

A diet that’s healthy for your whole body will give you the strength you need to be at your best.

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